On March 30, 2021, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) hosted its annual Masterclass on the theme of “Ethics and Integrity in Research and Innovation,” bringing together stakeholders from across the research and innovation sectors. This year’s virtual session welcomed 82 participants from 22 countries, representing Science Granting Councils (SGCs). The event aimed to address current challenges, share experiences, and develop actionable strategies for promoting ethical standards in research across Africa.

During the event, participants discussed how the ethical landscape in research is constantly evolving, while many Research Ethics Committees (RECs) appear slow to adapt. This gap risks leaving African researchers out of crucial conversations on international standards. The group noted specific ethical issues needing more attention, such as managing conflicts of interest and preventing misconduct across research phases, from proposal submissions to commercialization.

The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Paul Ndebele, a leading figure in research ethics, was followed by a panel featuring representatives from Botswana, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. They shared insights on the practical realities of fostering ethics and integrity in their research environments. Representatives from the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) also contributed perspectives on how African researchers can better align with international standards while addressing local challenges.

1. Strengthening Governance and Oversight: The Masterclass identified the need for SGCs to assess their internal structures and establish clear roles in coordinating and enforcing ethical standards.
2. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): Participants highlighted the importance of mandatory RCR training to cover ethical issues like authorship and fair grant distribution. Transparency in funding processes was recommended to foster trust and prevent biases in research grants.
3. Building Human Resources in Ethics: A shortage of qualified ethics professionals limits effective oversight in many African countries. Masterclass participants recommended that SGCs work with existing capacity-building programs to address this gap and integrate ethics training into their annual budgets for government funding.
4. Strengthening Local Infrastructure for International Research: Concerns were raised about African countries’ reliance on foreign facilities for data storage and bio specimen handling, which often results in loss of control over valuable information. The SGCs were encouraged to support local research infrastructure, including equipment costs in grant applications and collaborating with the private sector to build capacity within Africa.
   5.Ethics in Traditional Knowledge Systems: The session emphasized the need for ethical considerations in research involving traditional knowledge. SGCs were urged to promote ethical research in indigenous knowledge systems, particularly regarding fair compensation for communities that contribute.
   The 2021 Masterclass highlighted the pressing need for consistent ethical standards across disciplines and regions in Africa. Participants left with a greater awareness of potential conflicts between institutional and national policies and a commitment to fostering ethical practices. Through these efforts, SGCI aims to strengthen ethics and integrity as cornerstones of African research and innovation, paving the way for sustainable, responsible research practices across the continent.